What is BIM Modelling?

BIM modeling is a system of working in the construction and building sector in which all the numerical and design data needed by stakeholders such as engineers, architects, contractors and employers are processed as a 3D model. This model can be used in common by those stakeholders.

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. BIM is a discipline, not a software program, and its constituent words can be defined as follows:

Building: This is the result of the different elements: architectural, structural, electrical, etc., being put together in accordance with appropriate construction methods, above ground (housing, schools, etc.), or underground (sewerage, subways, etc.).

Information: This is the crucial element that makes the BIM system so important. The stakeholders taking part in the construction of a building require information such as cost, assembly and production details, timescales and information about materials.

Modeling: This is the creation of 3D or 2D objects in a computer environment.

What is a BIM Manager?

Recently, the concept of a BIM manager has become very common. The numbers of BIM managers in the engineering, construction and architecture sectors are increasing day by day.

So, what are BIM Managers?

They are persons involved in this field, who ensure the creation, management and implementation of digital information about construction projects while the project is in the design, construction and usage phases. The word “manager” is used here in the sense of project management, not people management.

What Does a BIM Manager Do?

They make decisions about how, and with which tools, the BIM phase of a project will be managed. They support and implement the project’s workflow process in line with these decisions. A full job description might look like this;

• • Developing and implementing BIM standards
• • Writing the BIM implementation plan (BEP: BIM Execution Plan)
• • Supporting the teams in the project through coordination studies
• • Keeping the templates and files that make up the BIM libraries up to date, and creating them for the use of the employees involved in the project.
• • In cases where the employees encounter a technical problem within the project, solving these problems and directing the project employees in line with the solution.
• • Performing the necessary tests to examine the quality of BIM models.
• • Ensuring coordination within the scope of receiving digital models from specialists and delivering them to customers.
• • Enabling BIM meetings

After receiving the models, the BIM manager approves them and transfers them to the employees and the owners involved in the project.

How Many BIM Managers are Involved in a Project?

Every project must have at least one BIM manager. It can be difficult to answer the question of how many there should be, because there will be several specialists: engineers and architects involved in each project. Each department working on the project may have their own BIM officers. For example, the architectural department is in charge of its own BIM, and the department that handles the structural works in the same project will also have its own BIM supervisor. However, the people responsible for BIM within the company should not be confused with the BIM manager of the project.

The BIM manager has a contract with the owner, and their responsibilities and obligations must be clearly defined. The BIM manager acts independently of other architects and engineers. Establishing BIM quality in a project, in the manner of a conductor, controlling the quality of BIM models and ensuring coordination between teams, are the duties of the BIM manager. In addition, BIM experts in other companies working on the project can be called BIM coordinators.

Who is the BIM Coordinator?

A person within a company who has received BIM training and is specialized in this field is called a BIM coordinator. They are the person who establishes a relationship between the company they work for and the BIM manager of the project. They convey the requests of the BIM manager of the project, the technical details given in the technical specification of the owner, and the technical issues described in the BIM implementation plan to the company where they work. They train their own team, and operate as the BIM manager in their own company. However, their title within the overall project is BIM coordinator, and their name should appear as such in the BEP (BIM Execution Plan) of the project. The BIM coordinator should check the quality of the models coming out of their own company to speed up the project’s workflow, as in cases where it has not been checked, the BIM manager will reject the incorrectly delivered models, leading to delays, and the prolonging of the timescale for the work.

Who Does BIM Modelling?

Technicians or engineers who know how to use 3D CAD programs can carry out BIM modeling. The duties of such people are to use modern technologies to prepare in 3D the plans and other outputs that would have been created in 2D in the past.

Who is a BIM Specialist

A BIM specialist, or expert, has received training and certification in BIM. They may be the BIM manager of a project, the project-based BIM coordinator of the company they work for, or the specialist responsible for creating BIM standards in a company they enter. For example; an architect can create in-office standards by helping their firm to digitize and adapt to new technology in its office.

How Can I Get BIM Training?

If you wish to receive BIM training and specialize in this area, you can contact us for information about our training courses, or attend the certification programs offered in Turkey which give training in BIM. Click on the links below for information about the training courses offered by these universities.

– Middle East Technical University – Building Information Modeling Certificate Program

– (BIM) Certificate Program

– Istanbul Technical University – BIM Specialist Certificate Program

– Eskişehir Osmangazi University – BIM (Building Information Modeling) Specialization Certificate Program

What are the Advantages of the BIM System for Architects and Engineers?

– It provides quick and easy access to information.

– The model is constructed on real parameters in a virtual reality environment, making it easier to observe the outcomes.

– It assures full compatibility of the documentation created during the design phase with the building itself.

– It increases the insights and understanding of the stakeholders by presenting accurate and helpful visuals.

– It presents the life cycle of the building accurately and visually.

1) Advantages in the Design Phase

– Having a real-time doppelganger of the design in 3D.

– Having the work of various separate disciplines collated in the same database.

– Having models which are suitable for the application.

– Cost calculations are in accordance with the truth, thanks to the availability of correct quantity calculations.

2) Advantages During Construction

– Applicability of the models to the actual work in the field.

– Ease of detecting issues and and making revisions.

– Up-to-date tracking of manufacturing progress percentages.

– Accurate planning, purchasing and ordering opportunities.

– Conformity of the design with the construction.

3) Advantages in the Build-Operate Stage

-All information about the building can be accessed.

-Managers can use the model in the management phase of the operation and structure.

-The model enables participants to retrieve and store data such as specifications, required maintenance schedules, technical reviews, manuals, or applicable warranty periods.

4D Modeling

The fourth dimension in BIM allows stakeholders within the project to extract and visualize the progress of construction activities throughout the project. 4D BIM reduces complexity and conflict in construction projects. It also supports communication in different situations, such as visualizing and managing site status information, informing the personnel on site of alterations, or warning about possible risks.

5D Modeling

5D BIM simplifies cost analysis and budget tracking. 5D BIM enables stakeholders within the project to visualize the progress and cost of construction activities over time. Using 5D BIM provides higher accuracy and better predictability in areas such as project scope, equipment, materials and workforce changes.

6D Modeling

6D BIM provides complete and accurate energy estimation during the design phase. It also facilitates measurement and verification during building occupation. It thereby improves construction processes in high-performance facilities.